By Mitchell Clarke
Metropolitan residents attempting to travel into regional Victoria will face a whopping $5000 fine, as Victoria Police vow to tighten the Nar Nar Goon checkpoint to ensure the regions remain Covid free.
The regional travel crackdown, which came into effect at midnight on Thursday 17 September, will mean adults that leave a restricted area without a lawful excuse will be slapped with a $4957 fine.
Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent warned motorists to expect lengthy delays, as officers aim to check every vehicle.
D/C Nugent said the hefty fines would be issued to all adults present in the car.
“That is a huge fine and if there’s more than one person – if it’s mum and dad – mum and dad both get the fine,” he said.
Essential workers employed outside metropolitan Melbourne, people visiting an intimate partner or providing care, and those who require medical treatment outside metropolitan Melbourne will still be allowed to pass through the checkpoint.
Clarification has been sought as to whether Cardinia Shire residents can continue to travel into Baw Baw Shire for essential shopping.
People living outside Melbourne can travel to any other regional area, and regional Victorians are allowed to drive through Melbourne to get to their destination, however they aren’t able to stop unless it’s deemed essential.
